Ribbons, Laces and Frills
Ribbons and frills have been associated with romance
since the days of knighthood when a knight rode into battle
with a ribbon or scarf given him by his lady fair.
The dictionary states that the word "Lace" comes from
a Latin word meaning to "snare" or "noose".

Cupid
Cupid was one of the gods of mythology.
In Latin, the word Cupid means "desire."
Cupid is typically represented as a chubby, naked,
winged boy or youth with a mischievous smile.
He possessed a bow with a quiver of arrows by which
he transfixed the hearts of youths an and maidens.
Cherubs are descendants of Cupid.
They are depicted as lovable little winged creatures
without arrows and quivers. Cherubs were typically
not mischievous like Cupid.

The Rose
The rose, which is undoubtedly the most popular
flower in the world, speaks of love and has been the
choice of lovers in every century. If you rearrange the
letters of the word rose you get Eros, the god of Love.

Hands
A lady's hands was a favorite decoration that
depicted "femininity." Its beauty was enhanced by
adding a frilly cuff and a jeweled ring on the third finger.
Clasped hands represent those of Queen Victoria
and prince Albert and were symbols of the friendship
between their countries of Germany and England.

There is a light that shows me the way,
To a secret garden, with a fragrant bouquet,
And as I enter through its welcoming gates,
To savor all that for me awaits -
I can't help but wonder why the light chose me
Why fate gave me the Garden's key.

For whatever the reason, this much I know,
It is a lovely place where I love to go -
A garden full of life's delights -
Of tenderness and wondrous nights.

A garden in which to nourish my soul;
A place to go to make me whole
Where the warming light becons me "stay;"
Where always it is Valentine's Day.

Time has shown me this simple truth,
That the light that shines from high above -
That leads me to this garden each day
Is the nurturing light of your infinite love.

Breakfast in bed.

Make your sweetheart's favorite meal or take
your sweetheart out for a special dinner.

Send your valentine (male or female) flowers at work.
If you are on a tight budget, give just one single
hand-delivered flower. Remember, it's the thought not the quantity.

Do something unexpected! Drive across town
to take your Valentine out for lunch.

Send a gift basket of indulgent items.

Embroider "I Love You" on his pillowcase.
You could also use a water resistant marker.

Poetry is traditional for Valentine's Day.
Make up your own or buy a book of love poems
that you can read together.

Dedicate a favorite song to your Valentine on a
radio show that he or she will be listening to.

Write "I Love You" in lipstick or shaving cream
on the mirror. You could also tape a heart with the
words "I Love You" if you prefer an easier clean up.

If your sweetheart is going to be away from you on
Valentine's Day, get several Valentine's Day cards and
put them in different places in his or her luggage.
You could sequence them with "Open Me on February 14th"
or "Open Me on February 15th" to create some suspense.
Don't limit this idea to just Valentine's Day!

Family Members

Everyone loves a gift on Valentine's Days:
Parents, children, friends and relatives.
It doesn't have to be expensive, just show you care!

Hide a valentine in a lunch box, briefcase or purse.
Imagine the smile on their face when they find it during the day.

Carry a pocketful of chocolate kisses.
Pass them out as you let the recipient know
that you appreciate them.

Go to the American Red Cross and give blood
or make a donation in honor of those you love.

Make your kids valentine-shaped cinnamon toast
for breakfast or heart-shaped cookies for a special treat.

General Ideas

Wear something red.

Take a special treat into the office to
share with your co-workers.

Show the people you work with that you really
rely on just how important they are by buying a
small token gift: a mylar balloon that says
"You're Special," a coffee cup filled with candy,
a single flower, or take them out to lunch!

Make your own love stamp to personalize
your valentines. Carve a heart on a rubber eraser
and stamp it with a red ink pad.

Seal all your messages with initials or drawings
that the recipient must figure out the meaning.
For example: A.F.F. (A friend forever) or
S.W.A.K. (sealed with a kiss.)
The guessing game could go on for days.

Visit someone in a retirement home, nursing home or hospital.

Coupon Ideas

If you are as romantically dysfunctional as some
of us "Netaholics", here are some coupons that you can
fill out and give to your Sweetheart!
If you remembered to buy your Sweetheart a gift,
you may still want to print these out and hide them in
various locations where they will be found after Valentine's Day.
What a nice surprise!"

Coupon Sheet 1

Coupon Sheet 2